 |
|
|
 |
+headed+to+Geneva+Motor+Show.jpg)
Mazda used last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show to debut the new 2010 Mazda3 Sedan, and then followed it with the reveal of the Hatchback model at the Bologna Motor Show just one month later. There is still one more variant of the Mazda3 in the works and latest reports indicate the car will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The car is the sporty Mazdaspeed (MPS) model and it was captured recently testing in prototype form. Details about the upcoming hot-hatch have since been leaked by Mazda representatives at the first drive of the new Mazda3 Hatchback in Spain this week. Speaking with AutoTelegraaf, the representatives revealed that there will be two different versions of the car.
For Europe, the Mazda3 Mazdaspeed will be fitted with a 2.3L turbocharged engine, while in the United States the car will come with a 2.5L unit. Output will be up around the 268hp (200kW) mark.
While other specs for the car are hard to come by, there are rumors that the newly developed RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system from the Ford Focus RS could be used in the Mazda. An AWD set-up has been ruled out.
Differentiating the Mazdaspeed from the regular Mazda3 lineup will be a large hood scoop for the turbo, oversized air-intakes in the front bumper, a rear diffuser, large-diameter twin-exhaust pipes, and a chunky rear wing.
Mazda news at 2010 Mazda3 Mazdaspeed (MPS) headed to Geneva Motor Show
Over the weekend reports emerged claiming that Ford was considering selling a majority of its stake in Mazda in order to raise desperately needed cash. Ford has since released an official statement describing the media reports as pure speculation and added that there was nothing to announce.
Ford currently owns a 33.4% stake in Mazda but the troubled Detroit 3 carmaker was reportedly considering a partial sale of its share in the Japanese company. The Blue Oval’s share price dipped below the $2 mark last week, ending at $1.99 at Friday’s market close. Coupled with America’s credit crisis and Ford's own credit rating moving deeper into junk status, the carmaker will soon have to look at other avenues of raising needed cash.
Japan’s Nikkei business daily first reported that Ford was looking at selling a 20% portion of Mazda but was keen to maintain its management and production ties. The Japanese newspaper also reported that India’s Tata, which earlier this year acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, was one of the potential buyers of the stake in Mazda. Another is Japanese trading company Sumitomo Corp. Both companies have since denied the claims.
Several Ford and Mazda models are closely linked and share a number of components and platforms. The Mazda2 and Mazda3, for example, are based on the same platforms as Ford’s new Fiesta and Focus (European), respectively, thus the two carmakers will be closely linked for some time to come.
Mazda posted a record profit of $1.55 billion in 2007, selling more than 1,363,000 units worldwide, and this year’s sales levels are forecasted to be higher, making it a valuable target.
Like General Motors, which was reported to be considering acquiring Chrysler, Ford has stated emphatically that it is not planning to declare bankruptcy and that any important decision would be fully disclosed.
Mazda news at Ford dismisses reports of Mazda sale
.jpg)
The launch of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 (Miata) has reportedly been pushed back as far as 2012 because of a number of major changes in store for the car. Not only is Mazda developing a new generation of lightweight platforms and fuel-efficient powertrains, but a new coupe version is also expected to join the ranks. The story doesn’t end there as Mazda’s program manager for the new model has revealed that a new range of alternative powertrains could be available but only if it retains the sporty character of the car’s predecessors.
Mazda’s global design chief Lauren Van den Acker has previously mentioned that the next MX-5 will be a major leap in terms of styling and dynamics over the current model, and now its chief developer Takao Kijima has revealed that the new model will be smaller and at least 10% lighter.
Speaking with Australia’s Drive, Kijima said Mazda is keen to reduce the emissions and fuel usage of the MX-5, possibly through the introduction of a diesel or petrol-hybrid engine. While a decision has yet to be made on future engine lineups for the MX-5, Kijima said that there is a greater than 50% chance that the next-gen model could find a diesel or petrol-hybrid under its hood.
The main factors affecting this decision lie in preserving the Mazda MX-5's characteristic light weight and nimble handling, which would be severely hampered by heavy battery packs or weighty diesel engines. An alternative could be to downsize the current engines found in the MX-5 and make them more efficient through techniques such as turbocharging or direct injection.
Kijima admits he gets “many requests to make MX-5 bigger and more powerful”, mainly from the United States, but that the character of the car is built on its compact dimensions and light weight. “We must balance these requests with nimble and light weight,” he explained.
As for the car’s styling and proportions, the Japanese exec revealed that it would be closer in size to the original 1989 model. However, interior space and safety will be better than the current car due to improved engineering and clever packaging.
While the new model isn’t expected for several years, the MX-5 recently underwent a mild refresh to keep it competitive in the affordable convertible market.
Mazda news at Program manager for MX-5 reveals details about next-gen model
Hot on the heels of Nissan’s Nuvu eco-friendly city car concept comes Mazda’s take on the increasingly popular theme. Following in the footsteps of previous concepts, such as the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai, Mazda’s latest design is also modeled around a central theme of nature, with the focus being on water.
The concept vehicle’s new name is ‘Kiyora,’ which in Japanese translates to ‘clean and pure.’ Mazda describes the Kiyora as representing the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and in keeping with this theme has fit the car with an ultra-efficient petrol engine.
The design is an indication of where Mazda could go with a small, eco-friendly city car in the near future. Its body is constructed from carbon-fiber to save weight and despite its small proportions, measuring a total 3,770mm in length, there is still seating for four.
The concept is also formed in the shape of a water droplet on its side, as are its two side windows. Its diminutive size and low roofline give it a small front cross-section. This is combined with a stylized rear roof spoiler and specially sculptured body lines for a highly aerodynamic form with a coefficient of drag that is over 10% lower than that of the current Mazda2.
The concept’s compact powerplant displaces 1.3L and features the carmaker’s next-generation direct-injection technology and new engine stop-start feature. Improved direct injection technology and newly designed combustion chambers enable more precise ignition control. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined with reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, these technologies would result in CO2 emissions of 90g/km or less.
Joining the Kiyora concept car on Mazda’s stand at the Paris Motor Show will be the 2009 MX-5 (Miata) facelift and a diesel version of the Mazda6 complete with a newly-developed 2.2L turbodiesel.
Mazda news at Mazda reveals water-themed Kiyora concept
Following a number of leaks of images and details, Mazda has finally released official information for its facelifted MX-5 (Miata) range which makes its world debut at this week’s Paris Motor Show. For the latest update, both the exterior and interior has been given a revamp, as has the car’s engine lineup, which now has a 500rpm higher rev limit.
The 2010 model lineup can be distinguished by a new front-end design, revised side sills, and a new rear bumper. The character hump in the hood remains, as does the fender flares that give the barest of nods to the RX8’s design. A tweaked mesh grille is also more reminiscent of the Mazdaspeed3 (MPS) than previous designs, as is the new lower intake. Inside, the car's design is very much like the current model's with only minor stylistic updates such as the dark silver trim, new instrument panel, and new Recaro seats on select models.
The car is also available with newly designed 16in and 17in aluminum wheels. The 16in wheels have five sets of twin spokes, while the 17in wheels have 10 twisted spokes. New exterior color options include Aluminum, Metropolitan Grey and Sunflower Yellow.
Changes to the car’s powerplant range include the introduction of a forged crankshaft, fully floating pistons and newly designed valve springs. The rev limit for the 2.0L manual model now registers at 7,500rpm, with peak output of 160hp (118kW) 188Nm coming at 7,000rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox has also been upgraded with new carbon-coated synchronizer for improved shift-feel.
A lower front roll centre and retuned suspension make the car’s response to steering inputs more linear and enable the driver to precisely trace desired lines. A key refinement was made to the front suspension knuckles. The ball joints’ vertical pivot position was changed to reduce the height of the front roll centre by 26mm. This decreased fluctuations in the vertical loading on the outer wheel during cornering manoeuvres.
The new range will go on sale in Europe in the first half of next year and is expected to arrive in North America shortly after for the 2010 model year.
Mazda news at Mazda takes the wraps off facelifted MX-5
Mazda has released the first tentative details for its new Kazamai Concept, which will be on display this week at the Moscow Motor Show. Following in the footsteps of its previous concepts, the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai, the Kazamai is modeled around nature and this time the theme is “crosswinds.”
The Kazamai features flowing lines along its panel - similar to the ‘Nagare’ - to denote crosswinds and give on-lookers a sense of visual lightness. Mazda claims that the design has a high emotional appeal, thanks to its strange proportions and non-pedestrian design. The concept car features a five-point grille, bold wheel arches that can barely contain the 22in rims, and a low, sleek roofline, all of which add to this emotional appeal by making the car look as unrealistic as possible.
The vehicle's low roofline, when combined with a flat floor panel and a rear diffuser, also contributes to its aerodynamic profile, which is 10% more aerodynamic than any other vehicle in its segment.
The 2.0L petrol engine in the Kazamai utilizes direct-injection technology and is based on the same unit in the CX-7. Other features include combustion control technology and variable valve control systems, as well as next-generation catalysts for reduced emissions. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a lightweight and compact next-generation six-speed automatic transmission.
Aluminum and aluminum-alloy is used for the bonnet, chassis and engine block. The designers aimed to make it 100kg lighter than similar models by employing plastics for the panels, wheelarches and the engine cover.
Safety for its four passengers, and pedestrians, was also a focus during design. The Kazamai features an advanced body shell design that is expected to feature on future production Mazda models.
On top of this there’s also an anti-rollover stability control system, blind spot monitoring to assist lane changes, a pre-crash safety system and advanced dynamic stability control (DSC) to support the driver. To meet future pedestrian safety requirements, the vehicle also has soft plastic quarter panels and a shock-cone aluminium bonnet that absorbs impact energy and distributes it to protect those involved.
The Kazamai is also fitted with a personal security system. The advanced system monitors the area around and inside the car, and has an automatic alert system which informs the driver in the event of an emergency.
Mazda news at Mazda releases new photos of Kazamai crossover concept
So far Mazda has taken a somewhat unconventional route to improving fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, focusing on lighter materials and new designs instead of rebuilding its powertrain lineup. It has done the company well, but to move to the next level of efficiency the carmaker is also planning on upgrading its engine and transmission lineup.
By a 2015 deadline Mazda wants to have all of its petrol engines running direct-injection and stop-start technology, reports Automotive News. Continued weight-loss is also on the docket, however, with each platform planned to go on a 220lb (100kg) diet by the next iteration. The upgrades will take place in stages over the coming years, with the early focus on the smaller cars in the lineup. The changes will also reflect a greater degree of freedom and reduced control by parent company Ford, though continued sourcing of parts and pieces from the company parts bin is likely.
The Mazda2, for example, will get an all-new (to America, at least) four-cylinder engine provided it passes U.S. testing. The plan is to bring the small car to market by 2011. The Mazda3 is getting a complete redesign, coming early next year as a 2010 model, offering two different engines as it does now, though details on the exact specifications are still lacking.
The newly reworked U.S.-market Mazda6 gets unique engines that will stay the same for the near future, with a 2.5L four-cylinder rated for 170hp and a 3.7L V6 good for 272hp. The sedan is the only model available now, as the hatchback and wagon have been discontinued.
Exciting developments could come toward the far end of the 2015 deadline as the pushed-back MX-5 Miata redesign is expected to happen in 2012 and a coupe version, possibly based on the Kabura concept, could be in the works as well. Sports car enthusiasts will no doubt be awaiting the new model eagerly, as it is still, even after two decades of sales, one of the best performance and handling bargains in its class, with an eye toward efficiency that most of its competitors lack. The RX8's full redesign is equally far off, though planned increases in displacement and improvements in fuel economy are already being promised.
The company's SUVs and MPVs will see recalibrated automatic transmissions, mild redesigns around 2010 and 2011 and possibly the introduction of a non-turbo version of the CX-7 to reduce fuel consumption, though the concordant drop in performance may leave some buyers dissatisfied. The CX-5 previewed by the Kazamai Concept (pictured) shown at the Moscow Motor Show and sharing Ford Kuga underpinnings isn't expected until 2010 as a 2011 model. The Tribute, essentially a Mazda-badged version of the Ford escape, will likely be axed as the CX-5 moves into the lineup.
Mazda news at Mazda preparing new powertrains for next-gen cars
Mazda has no plans to introduce a hybrid version of its new 2009 Mazda6, despite possessing the ability and technology to do so. The Japanese carmaker already produces a hybrid powertrain for its Tribute SUV – developed together with Ford - but has decided not to transfer the technology to the mid-sized Mazda6 sedan, instead citing the car's strong "real-world MPG numbers".
The information comes from Jay Amestoy, the vice president of public and government affairs for Mazda’s U.S. operations. Speaking with Edmunds, Amestoy confirmed that Mazda was not planning on going the hybrid route for the Mazda6 at the moment.
Starting at $18,550, the base model 2009 Mazda 6 comes with a 170hp (127kW) 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine with a manual transmission and mileage figures of 20mpg (11.7L/100km) in the city and 29mpg (8.11L/100km) on the highway. There’s also a 270hp (201kW) 3.7L V6, which achieves just 17mpg (13.8L/100km) around town and 25mpg (9.4L/100km) on the highway and is only available with an automatic transmission.
Mazda news at No hybrid option planned for Mazda6
Focusing on enhanced efficiency through lighter packaging and incremental improvements, Mazda's 2009 lineup includes mostly expected changes. News of the next version of what may be Mazda's most tantalizing model - the MX-5 Miata - remains in shadows, however.
Changes to the aging RX-8 are minimal, with evolutionary improvements to the interior and a mildly refreshed exterior design. Performance is enhanced somewhat, though the Renesis rotary engine at its heart remains unchanged. A new R3 model offers a re-tuned sport suspension with Bilstein shocks, urethane-filled front crossmembers, rear spoiler, side sills and fog lights in addition to a unique front bumper and xenon HID headlights. An upgraded Bose stereo and Recaro sport seats also feature in the new R3 package.
The Mazda6 sedan is a North American-specific model this time around, with a choice of 2.5L four-cylinder or 3.7L V6 engines. The new car's wheelbase grows by 4.5in, while overall length is 6.1in greater and width increases by 2.1in, along with a wider track front and rear. The already capacious trunk increases by 10% in volume, while interior space improves as well. Despite power increases of between 9% and 28%, depending on the powertrain configuration, the new car improves fuel economy across the board, thanks primarily to lighter materials.
Mazda's SUVs, including the CX-9 and CX-7 get a range of primarily minor enhancements, such as advanced trip computers, improved stereo functionality, heated front seats and Sirius satellite radio standard in more trim levels. The basic designs and powertrain packages carry over from last year's offerings.
The Tribute gets a mild refresh since its complete redesign in 2008. Power for the 2.5L four-cylinder is improved to 171hp (127kW), while the 3.0L V6 grows to 240hp (179kW) and a new six-speed automatic transmission is available. A range of new colors and interior convenience features like steering wheel audio controls and one-touch moonroof controls cap the upgrades.
Mazda's only hybrid, the Tribute HEV, gets a new 153hp (114kW) 2.5L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, power-assisted brakes and a full complement of electronic driving aids including stability control, traction control and roll control. The Tribute HEV can operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 25mph thanks to its 70kW electric motor. Fuel economy figures for the Tribute HEV are a solid 30mpg highway/34mpg city with the 2WD model and 27mpg highway/29mpg city with the 4WD model.
The compact Mazda5 MPV likewise gets primarily cosmetic changes, with a new Liquid Silver color available for the outside and Sand interior upholstery now available with a broader range of exterior color options.
Mazda's highly successful Mazda3 sedan and hatch receive a new standard equipment specification for the i Sport model, with standard ABS and airbags, while the deletion of the Icy Blue color and addition of remote trunk release to sedan models key fobs make the 2009 models unique.
The popular B-series pickup trucks will be reduced to just two variants, with the luxury-spec B4000 Cab Plus SE model dropped from the range. The remaining trucks will focus on more essential utility with a regular cab model powered by a 2.3L four-cylinder and a Cab Plus model sporting AWD and a 4.0L V6 engine. Both models can be had with either five-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The truck is otherwise unchanged.
Mazda news at Mazda reveals details for 2009 U.S. lineup
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Posts
+headed+to+Geneva+Motor+Show.jpg)
+headed+to+Geneva+Motor+Show.jpg)
.jpg)
